Mrs. Anna Folsom

Position: Elementary Teacher: Grades 1st – 5th

Biography:

My path to Birchtree: I grew up in Alaska attending grade school in Seldovia and High School in Palmer. In both towns I found a strong connection to the beauty of nature and art surrounding me. I continued my studies in Art focusing on Drawing and Painting, and graduating with a B.A. in Art from the University of Alaska Anchorage. I then decided to pursue another dream of mine, teaching. I moved to Juneau to enter the M.A.T. program for Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Southeast. This is where I first learned about Waldorf education as one of my instructors was Waldorf certified in addition to one of my mentor teachers who started the school day shaking hands with each of her students. My experiences in Juneau left a lasting impression on me. After graduation my husband and I moved to Oaxaca, Mexico where we taught English as a second language and volunteered in an orphanage. When I returned to Alaska I taught primary grades for a few years at Big Lake Elementary before coming to Birchtree.

Birchtree has ignited my passion for educating children. One of the greatest things about being a Waldorf teacher is the excitement and challenge of teaching a new grade level each year. The curriculum is alive and I get to share it with children that I have built true connections with. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this staff, and to have my daughter attend this school.

About Birchtree

Birchtree Charter School is a K-8 public school inspired by the methods of Waldorf education. In our school we use art, music, movement, and the teaching of foreign languages to support and enhance the study of reading, writing, history, science, and mathematics. Each day at Birchtree includes activities for a childs hands, heart, and head. In addition to meeting the academic standards of the State of Alaska, we are dedicated to helping our students develop academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. For a more in-depth description of our program, please look at our curriculum pages listed under the Program section of our website.